My Stove Clicks, But It Won't Light

It's predawn, and you really need some bacon to start your day. You grab the pans, hit up the fridge for morning must-haves like bacon, eggs and milk and stand in front of the stove. But when you turn the knob, all you get is an audible click. No flame comes to life under your pan, and your bacon sits cold and raw.

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It's a real inconvenience, but is a gas stove that clicks but won't light more than a temporary frustration?

Why Doesn't My Stove Light Even Though It Clicks?

When your gas stove clicks but won't light, it usually means the igniter is sparking (that's the click), but there's not enough gas in the right place to fuel the burner. Some reasons for this include:

• A clogged burner. Food debris or moisture could create a blockage that's not allowing enough gas supply to the burner. Grease buildup is a common culprit.

• Issues with gas flow. The gas valve may have been turned off or down, limiting gas flow. You might also have a leak somewhere along the line, and if you get natural gas or propane delivered, you might be low on supply.

• A faulty igniter. Your igniter can become misaligned or break in other ways. When this happens, it may sound like it's sparking but not create a big enough spark to light the gas for the burner.

Is a Gas Stove That Is Clicking But Won't Light Dangerous?

It depends. If the burner isn't lighting because there's no gas supply at all, it's likely not a dangerous issue. However, if there's plenty of gas flowing and no ignition, you may have gas building up around the stove or leaking into the home.

If you think you smell gas, stop trying to light the stove. Turn off the burner and ventilate the area by opening a window or door. You may want to call in a professional to check for gas leaks, as they can be fire and explosion hazards.

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How Can You Fix a Gas Stove That Clicks But Won't Light?

Stove troubleshooting can start as a DIY process if you don't smell gas. Go through the steps below to try to figure out why your gas stove is clicking but not lighting.

• Check your gas supply. Look for obvious gas flow problems, like a valve that's shut off or a kink or break in the line. If everything looks safe, turn on the gas and try again.

• Clean the burner area. Turn off your stove and ensure everything is cool to the touch. Remove burner caps and clean the area carefully. Wipe away food debris and built-up grease, and use a toothpick or compressed air to remove items from burner ports. Make sure the burner area is completely dry before you try to ignite it again.

• Make sure the burner cap isn't misaligned. If it's askew, it can interrupt the flow of gas and cause it to miss the igniter spark.

• Check for an ignition spark. Watch the igniter closely. You should see a visible spark when you turn on the burner. If you don't or if the spark appears too weak to do any good, clean the igniter tip gently and try again. If it still doesn't work, you may need stovetop maintenance to replace or repair the igniter.

When Should You Call a Professional for Stovetop Maintenance or Repair?

If you smell gas and your stove won't light, a dangerous situation might be forming. It's generally a good idea to call in a repair person to address that issue. You might also want to call in a professional if you've tried the DIY fixes above and nothing works or if your igniter sparks and clicks a lot even when you aren't trying to turn the burner on.